I know that ASA says to use one word for a "Tag" on a runner or a "Swing" if you saw the batter swing, etc. Does NFHS recommend this or can you use the term, "did she go", "with the tag" etc. If you are supposed to use the one word, can you give me some of the ones that I would use most often. Thanks, Dave

Strike, ball, safe, out. :D

Maybe ones not used so often. Dave

The rationale used to explain the "one word" philosophy from ASA at the clinics I have attended is to limit confusion and maximize understandability, expecially with players/coaches for whom English is not their native language. I think this stems from the international connection with ASA being the "national governing body." (JMO).

Does NFHS share these concerns (i.e. dealing with a diversity of languages)? If yes, (and I think the answer would be "yes" from a national perspective), then NFHS will get there eventually, I think.

Speaking personally, habits die hard!

I agree, Tom and the most difficult to change is point and say "BALL" not point and say Ball on the Ground. I find BALL leaves something to expalin.

Dey ain't been lettin' us have no nash'nal FED tournaments like over wit dem ASA folks, so dem mid-westerners ain't had to worry 'bout understandin' us southner's. We all okay to just keep talkin' like we been doing so far. Ain't no need to try and purdie it up any.

Yes/No
 

Notice "Yes!" and "No!" are not included.

Yes what? Yes the throw is in time? Yes the runner is safe? Yes the tag was good? Yes the tag was bad? Yes what????

Yep and Nope aren't much value either. :D

Some other possibilities: Time, dead, foul, illegal, play, I like "Catch" also.

Re: Yes/No
 

Actually..."yes" is used in the case of an offer or swing. The mechanic is to point and say "yes." "Catch" is a good 'un, especially on those shoestring close to trap kind of catches. "Trap" is another that can be used, as are "tag" (on any tag play), and "foot" (when you see a pulled foot.)

Just so we don't lose sight of the objective (at least I think it was the objective) - to provide clarity and limit confusion.

All those little international icons on all the buttons and switches in your car treat every language the same - and I would bet they are all equally confused.

Equal confusion is not the objective - clarity is.

I don't use: Alternative:

Catch Out
Yes Out
No Safe
Trap Safe


If the play requires some description:

Off the base, safe
No control, safe
Tag, out (only when a bad throw pulls the fielder away from a force out)
No catch (only when a defender is trying to sell it as a catch)

Just a few. Sometimes, one word just doesn't do it.

Absolutely ! Often one word is not enough and an explanation is needed.

Mike I would recommend to you though, that the most important part of the call is the safe or out and that the explanation is secondary....

My recommendation is to make the out or safe call first, and then give the explanation of trap, or off the bag, or whatever...

Same for a strike call on the 'not-so-checked' swing. "Strike; you went."

DTTB,

For years at clinics we were taught to give the explanation and the make the call, the theory being a call followed by an explanation was an "alibi" for missed call.

Maybe Mike can let us know if this is fact or the recommendation is call and the explain in todays game.

It is still the same. Note the cause then make the call.

Thanks, Mike

Using the phrase "no catch" can get you in trouble since the word "no" might not be heard properly...akin to not using the phrase "fair ball". I try to stick to the one word responses followed by a short phrase only when I feel the need to sell the call.